A man has been arrested over a sex attack on an 11-year-old girl who was dragged into a park and raped on her way home from school.

The 26-year-old was held in Edmonton, north London, and is being questioned. Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses after the schoolgirl was attacked in Jubilee Park, Enfield, north London, on Friday.

She had caught a 192 bus from school in Enfield at around 4.30pm, and got off in Bury Street at around 5pm before being grabbed as she walked along Galliard Road.

The girl, who police described as petite, finally returned home at around 8pm and was taken to hospital where she needed surgery. Her attacker is black with afro hair and was wearing a dark grey top and black baggy jeans.

Detective Inspector Simon Ellershaw said: "This was a horrific and unusual attack of a defenceless schoolgirl making her way home via her usual route, along one of Enfield's busiest shortcuts, at the beginning of Friday afternoon rush-hour.

"She says the attack happened for some considerable time - possibly in the region of two to three hours. "

I am appealing to motorists, pedestrians and anyone who may have been using the park between 4.45pm and 8pm, who may have seen a man following a girl in school uniform, to contact us."

He said officers had carried out an "extensive" search of the park and members of the public had already come forward with helpful information.

Mr Ellershaw added: "Given the significant and unaccounted amount of time between the incident and the victim's arrival home, we are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have seen her possibly appearing confused or dishevelled following her ordeal."